Apocalypse: King of Zombies Chapter 1268: Then We Take a Bigger One

Ethan approached the remains of Marek's body, a mere half-corpse, and sighed.

No crystal core was found. Much like the others, Marek possessed a constellation map within his mind, rendering his physical form useless except as sustenance for mutant beasts.

Zombies and mutant beasts typically developed a crystal core in their heads post-mutation. This core passively absorbed a mysterious energy, leading to gradual strengthening over time.

Humans, conversely, advanced their cultivation by igniting stars on an internal constellation map. This suggested Marek was likely human, or a closely related intelligent species, explaining his ability to communicate.

Humans could consume crystal cores for rapid power augmentation.

Zombies and mutant beasts, however, accelerated their growth by consuming corpses.

While the fundamental paths bore resemblances, the key distinction lay in the immediacy of power. Crystal cores offered condensed, instant energy, whereas corpse consumption necessitated digestion and an extended period.

Yet, this did not grant humans an inherent advantage.

The concentrated nature of crystal cores imposed strict limitations; one could not utilize them across excessively large power gaps. A Tier 14 human attempting to absorb a Tier 16 crystal core would face immediate disintegration. Instant death was the inevitable outcome.

Even a Tier 15 crystal core required a human to reach the peak of Tier 14, enabling a single, decisive breakthrough. Premature usage would inflict irreparable harm.

These were the harsh, unwritten laws humanity had painstakingly learned over the preceding six months.

Mutant beasts, however, were unburdened by such restrictions.

The more potent the corpse, the more beneficial it was for them. Should the power disparity be too great, they could simply consume it incrementally.

Slow digestion would follow, after which they could resume feeding.

A mutant beast that obtained a corpse far exceeding its current level could subsist on it gradually. Upon completion of digestion, its strength would surge dramatically.

Thus, each side possessed unique advantages, with no definitive superiority, merely different methodologies.

Miles joined Ethan. "Captain... should we rebuild here, or relocate everything to Harrison City?"

Ethan surveyed the desolate ruins of Fallen Star City, his mood as dark as scorched earth.

"What's the status of the Harrison City compound?"

"We've barely begun," Miles replied.

"Then abandon it," Ethan declared, his eyes narrowing. "Cease construction. We will occupy the Silverlake City compound instead."

Miles's eyes widened. "You mean...?"

"They destroyed our base," Ethan stated impassively. "So, we shall claim a larger one."

He gestured toward the devastation and continued, his voice unwavering. "Silverlake City is a major metropolitan area, the state capital of Golden Delta. It surpasses Harrison City in every aspect and is conveniently located. We can seize it rather than investing time in a new construction."

He looked at Miles. "Once we are there, you may expand it as you see fit."

Miles nodded firmly. "Understood. That is a sound plan."

"Recall the Fallen Star Guard," Ethan commanded. "Tomorrow, we move out together. It is time to demonstrate the true capabilities of Fallen Star City to the world, ensuring no rogue element dares to challenge us on our own territory."

"Will do, sir." Miles's gaze sharpened. "And while they're at it, they can clear out the remnants here."

Ethan gave a curt nod. "Also—Grace and the others are at Harrison City, correct? Summon them back as well."

"Consider it done."

Elsewhere, under Henry's care, the remaining five white-furred apes had their injuries stabilized. Their wounds showed signs of healing, yet their overall condition remained dire.

Their leader, Blizzard, was deceased, along with two other companions. Only five remained, understandably looking quite disheveled.

The bond between them was profound, far exceeding typical human understanding.

Skinny Pete refrained from asserting dominance over the others. These apes had rendered significant service to Fallen Star City. With Blizzard gone, the intention was to grant the survivors their autonomy. They would be permitted to depart if they so chose.

Ultimately, the white-furred apes opted to stay.

Since emerging from their previous world, they had resided here. The inhabitants of Fallen Star City had treated them with kindness, consistently sharing their food and prioritizing their well-being. The apes, possessing a degree of intelligence, recognized genuine compassion.

While grief-stricken over their losses, they remained loyal to this place.

Shortly after, over twenty thousand individuals returned. Upon witnessing the state of Fallen Star City—reduced almost entirely to ruins—each arrival was stunned into silence, their eyes widening in disbelief.

As the few who had remained behind recounted the events, their overlapping voices detailing the catastrophe, the initial shock transformed into a potent rage. Faces grew grim, fists clenched, and fury ignited the devastated cityscape.

Unlike Ethan and his companions, who were frequently away, the Fallen Star Guard harbored a much deeper connection to Fallen Star City.

With their former sanctuary reduced to smoldering ruins, many of the survivors could no longer contain their grief. Warriors who had faced countless horrors without flinching now stood with tears streaming down their faces.

"Commander, we cannot let this stand!" one survivor exclaimed, his eyes burning with fury. "They obliterated Fallen Star City—then we must raze their compound to the ground!"

"Yes! Flatten their compound!" others echoed the sentiment.

Ethan surveyed the assembled Fallen Star Guard—more than two thousand pairs of bloodshot eyes fixed on him, their fists clenched white—and gave a firm nod. "Very well. Rest tonight. Tomorrow, I will lead you there, and we will make sure their compound is no more."

"Let's go!"

"That's our Commander!"

A thunderous roar erupted from the ranks, shaking the very foundations of the ruined city.

"Good," Ethan stated. "Now, gather the fallen and salvage anything of value. We depart at dawn."

"Yes, sir!"

The Fallen Star Guard sprang into action immediately.

Dealing with the deceased was a straightforward matter: cremation. With a population exceeding twenty thousand, there was no shortage of individuals with fire-type abilities. The flames spread with terrifying speed, transforming the devastated battlefield into a roiling inferno, wreathed in smoke and intense heat.

Meanwhile, at the Atlas City compound…

Maxwell ended the call, his expression unreadable, a complex mix of emotions playing on his features. The other individuals present in the conference room became instantly alert.

"What is it now, General Kane?" one inquired, his voice laced with apprehension. "What has transpired?"

In this new era, even the whisper of a rumor could send a jolt of fear through one's heart.

"Garrett led thirty thousand high-Tier Enhanced individuals into Fallen Star City," Maxwell revealed, his tone measured. "They were annihilated. Not a single soul survived. Among them was a being from the Void Realm."

"What?!" gasped the room, eyes widening in disbelief.

"Is Garrett's mind addled?" someone blurted out. "He dared to provoke Fallen Star City? That territory belongs to Yang the Bandit!"

"According to the intelligence we've received," Maxwell continued, "he gambled on the strength of a Void Realm powerhouse accompanying him and attempted to confront Ethan directly. However, he did not anticipate Ethan defeating that Void Realm powerhouse with his own hands. Following that confrontation, his entire force was buried alongside him."

"Merciful heavens…" Gabriel's eyes bulged. "From the visual data transmitted by Silverlake City, those Void Realm entities were at least Tier 17 or Tier 18, correct? And Ethan still managed to dispatch one?"

"So our suspicions were accurate," another individual stated, their voice strained. "That figure observed in Nova City was indeed him. It's utterly bewildering. Starting from the same point, how did he achieve such a massive lead? To the extent that even Void Realm powerhouses are no match for him?"

Arthur leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "General Kane—your daughter Aurora contacted you just moments ago, didn't she? She is with their group. Could you perhaps inquire about the astonishingly rapid growth in the Fallen Star Squad's power?"

Maxwell gave him a stern, unamused look. "Don't even consider it. She understands the boundaries of what she can and cannot disclose. Do not entangle her in potential trouble."

Arthur cleared his throat, feigning embarrassment. "I was merely curious."

Charles's brow furrowed deeply. "Ethan's might is formidable, but his methods are undeniably brutal. Thirty thousand high-Tier Enhanced—he eliminated them all."

"You know his nature," Maxwell said, massaging his temple. "He is not one to seek confrontation, but he certainly will not endure provocation. If someone dares to challenge him, they are effectively signing their own death warrant."

He paused, then added, his voice taking on a graver tone. "And you believe that is the extent of his intentions?"

Charles stared, bewildered. "What further actions does he intend to take?"

"He plans to lead his forces to attack the Silverlake City compound tomorrow."

"What?!" Chairs scraped loudly as several individuals leaped to their feet simultaneously.

"No!" someone cried out. "The Silverlake City compound houses over two million souls! The Atlas Federation's population is already critically low—if he continues this path of annihilation, we won't even need the zombies. He will decimate us himself!"

"Indeed," Gabriel added, and for the first time, even he could not maintain a detached stance. "General Kane, we must intervene and dissuade him. The Silverlake City compound is an innocent party in this conflict. They had no involvement in the preceding events."

"Do you think I am unaware of that?" Maxwell retorted sharply, his voice quickly softening to one of exhaustion. "I am the one losing sleep over this predicament. But you are all familiar with his temperament. He is consumed by rage at this moment. I have no desire to place myself in his path."

"This is entirely Garrett's fault," Charles declared, his anger reaching a boiling point. "That scoundrel deserves to perish a hundred times over!"

"Blaming Garrett does nothing to resolve tomorrow's crisis," Arthur stated, his expression troubled. "We need a strategy to avert this."

"We cannot halt it," Maxwell replied with grim finality. "Ethan has already made his intentions known publicly. At best, we can strategize on how to minimize the casualties he inflicts."

Gabriel looked directly at Maxwell. "Then the responsibility falls upon you two. Either you contact Ethan directly... or you have Aurora speak with him."

Maxwell exhaled, a long, weary sigh. "...Very well. I shall attempt it."

He leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as if searching for answers in its mundane expanse.

"In truth, what kind of world have we descended into?"